GUATEMALA – It is not the first time members of St. John's Lutheran Church will go to Guatemala. Along with San Antonians, they started taking mission trips to a Guatemalan school named Santa Teresita seven years ago.

Over the years, they have helped meet the needs of some of the area's poorest people.

The co-director of the mission trip, Norma Case, said the group delivers necessities to children.

"We take fruit from the mercado. Fruit is a luxury. That's something that they can't afford," said Case. "Toothbrushes, hair ties for the girls. Little combs for the boys."　

The group is packing up to head to Guatemala in a couple of days. However this time, they are not sure what they will find when they arrive.

"Our director has contacted Sister Ethel, sent her an email but we haven't heard back from her," said Case. 　

The school, which also serves as a hospital, is an estimated 25 miles from where a volcano erupted Sunday, killing dozens. While they don't expect to see damage at the Santa Teresita, Case said they do expect to see people in need.

"In the Latin community, when you need help, you go to the church," said Case. 　

In many cases mission teams, like this one from St. John Lutheran, have become a de-facto FEMA.

"It turned from a mission of love to a mission of need, we need to get there," said Case. 　

Just like their past mission trips, the group is taking essentials to the school children. This year they are also planning to take cash so the church can help those who need it most. Case said their goal is to reach $10,000.

Case hopes they will bring back a sense of comfort knowing that they did what they could, for now.

The group leaves Sunday and will be in Guatemala for a week.

Learn more about their mission trip here.